The city of Fort Myers is a paradise destination where many like to come to visit and live, but it wasn't always as safe as it is today.
"Our violent crime was at an all-time high. I think back in 2012, and as we're sitting here in 2025, our violent crime has dropped out of an all-time low," said Sgt. Eric Reitler.
Reitler is with the Fort Myers Police Department's Group Violence Intervention Unit.
He says most of the crime was due to drug deals and drive-by shootings.
"In 2019, Fort Myers Police Department did a study with John Hopkins University. It was during that study they did create a Group Violence Intervention Unit, which was very productive all the way up to today," said Reitler.
It's split into two groups. Reitler focuses on dangerous group activities.
"We do have, obviously, have our real-time crime center, where we have intel analysts along with cameras that are spread throughout the city. All those units combined are able to share information, get information out as quickly as possible," said Reitler.
There is also the Juvenile Delinquency Interdiction Unit. It supports young people who are in and out of jail and tries to set them on a better path.
"So we're trying to identify those juveniles before they do take on a life of crime and be able to step out with them. We do, we do contact the courts immediately to try to find other avenues and ways to get them away from that environment," said Reitler.
The eight-person team works cohesively.
"The trust factor amongst this unit is extremely high because of the unknowns. Every traffic stop is different," said Reitler.
Within a couple of hours, Reitler pulled over three people suspected of driving recklessly. "We're actively patrolling the neighborhoods, driving patterns, seeing if there's anybody that's acting in a suspicious way," said Reitler.
This is where the community policing aspect comes in. Repeat offenders are identified and given a case worker. Shana Feren is the strategic public safety program manager who works with those teens. She offers options, including access to a job and education.
"To access resources that are available in the community for these individuals to exit their life of crime or the life that they're currently living to be able to get out of the hamster wheel of committing crimes," said Feren.
Data from the FBI and FDLE shows programs like this may be putting a dent. Crime in Fort Myers is down 37.5% since 2019.
"I'm one of them. They do a great job. Not only on the job, but they conduct themselves off the job," said Reitler.
DOWNLOAD the free NBC2 News app for your latest news and weather alerts.